Wenger Confirms Huge Injury Boost + Update On The Ox

Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Gabriel Paulista is set to return to training ahead of schedule but we’ll have to wait to find out how long Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will be on the sidelines for.

Gabriel picked up a hamstring injury during our 2-1 win at Queens Park Rangers last week and was initially expected to be out for up to a month.

However, the boss told Arsenal.com this afternoon that the Brazilian defender will be back sooner than expected as he’ll return to training on Sunday or Monday.

I doubt he’ll be in contention to start against Monaco next Tuesday but he could be available to take on Newcastle the following weekend.

Wenger also revealed that The Ox was due to have a scan on his hamstring problem this afternoon [Wednesday] so we’ll have to wait and see what the results are.

Oxlade-Chamberlain was forced off during Monday’s FA Cup win over United and reports claim he’ll be out for around a month, but that’s as yet unconfirmed by Arsenal.

Wenger told the clubs website:

on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain…

Chamberlain has a hamstring strain, the only thing we don’t know is how bad it is because usually the scans are only done 48 hours after the accident. That will be done today [Wednesday].

on Gabriel…

Gabriel may be [available] next week, he should come back into training on Sunday or Monday.

on whether the Monaco game will affect his team selection…

No. We were at a high level of fatigue because we played against Monaco, Everton, QPR, Manchester United, all very physical games. I will have to test medically, physically, how the players are on Friday, and I will make my decision then. The big priority is of course West Ham.